Interview & tour wide giveaway with Lilliana Anderson

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Lillian Anderson to the blog today.

Lillian, can you please share with us a little about yourself

Sure, I’m a full time author and mum of four kids, and I started writing officially almost a year ago when I got tired of my mother in law saying she was going to write her life story. I told her that the only way we would get any peace was if I did it for her. She agreed, and that’s how the Confidante Trilogy, and my writing addiction started.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I’ve always loved writing, but I felt that being an author was one of those dream jobs that only very few people happened upon. I was studying to be an industrial relations advocate originally, but my life took a slightly different path which eventually led me to where I am now.

Are you a plotter or a punster or combo of both? And you explain the difference?

Um, I would say l’m a plotter. I spend a lot of time talking through my plot with my husband before I start writing, so I’m very clear on what is happening when I start. I also tend to write, very briefly, what is to happen in each chapter just so I can close the laptop at the end of each day without the characters yelling details at me all night.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

That I always write a book twice. The first time it’s just a pile of bones shaped somewhat like a skeleton, but the second time I give it flesh and bring it all to life. I feel as though I can’t write the flesh of a story until I’ve had feedback on the bones.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

I’ve just released Too Close which is a companion book to A Beautiful Struggle. It more thoroughly explains the friendship between David and Katrina. You can read Too Close first, but I think it would be best to read it after Struggle (which is a free download)

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I had a lot of readers asking to know more about David, so I felt that he deserved to have his say.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

My current work is Phoenix. It’s another in the companion series The Beauty in Between and ties in to A Beautiful Forever. This one shows Paige’s back story and how she came to be the person Elliot meets on the plane in the beginning of Forever.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

A.V Scott. I love her work and her personality. We met on Facebook and got along straight away, but we live on opposite sides of the world. We have great plans for attending book tours when our children are grown though.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Do your research and see what’s out there. Spend every spare moment reading, it’s the best way to learn.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Make a snowman. I’ve never seen snow before, so that’s a big ‘to do’ for me.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

The Redemption of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen –she really left me hanging with the first one!

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. That is probably the most beautiful, heart wrenching story l have ever read. I think about it every day, and I read it nearly seven years ago.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

Autumn, because it’s not too hot and not too cold. Plus I love the colours. So Pretty!

Who is your Celebrity crush?

And what would you do if you ever meet them?

At the moment, it’s Stephen Amell. That man is one very divine human being.

If I ever met him, I’d likely say “hey, what’s up?” ‘cause I’m cool like that!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes! Thank you so much for having me on your blog today. You’ve been awesome!

TOUR GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Lilliana is giving away the following prizes when the tour ends:

GRAND PRIZE: signed Too Close tote and a $50 kindle voucher
2nd PLACE: signed Too Close postcard and a $20 kindle voucher
3rd PLACE: signed Too Close trading card and a $10 kindle voucher.

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Lilliana Anderson’s TOO CLOSE Blog Tour Schedule – 8/1 – 8/31

8/01- Kelly P’s Blog (series spotlight)

http://kellyatx.blogspot.com/

8/02- Reader Girls (series spotlight)

http://www.readergirlsblog.com/

8/03- Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews (series spotlight)

http://literalhottiesnaughtybookreviews.blogspot.com/

8/03- Darker Passions (series spotlight)

http://darkerpassions.net/

8/04- Reading Between The Wines (guest post)

http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.com/

8/05- Tome Tender (series spotlight/review)

http://tometender.blogspot.com/

8/06- Sassy Book Lovers (series spotlight/excerpt)

http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com/

8/07- United by Books (interview)

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

8/07- Toot’s Book Reviews (series spotlight)

http://tootsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

8/08- So Many Reads (guest post)

http://www.somanyreads.com/

8/08 – Lit Heiress (series spotlight/review)

http://www.not-so-literary-heiresses.com/

8/09- Redheads Review It Better (series spotlight)

http://redheadsreviewitbetter.com/

8/09- Queen of All She Reads (series spotlight)

http://queenofallshereads.blogspot.com/

8/10- Shayne Renee’s Spicy Reads (series spotlight)

http://shaynareneesspicyreads.blogspot.com/

8/10- Mad Hatter Reads (interview)

http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/

8/11- Literal Addiction (series spotlight)

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

8/11- Literary Nook (series spotlight)

http://literarynook.com/

8/12- Scandalicious Reads (interview/series spotlight)

http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.com/

8/12- Musings From An Addicted Reader (guest post)

http://musingsfromanaddictedreader.blogspot.com/

8/13- Snarkology (series spotlight)

http://melissasnark.blogspot.com/

8/14- Must Read Faster (series spotlight)

http://mustreadfaster.blogspot.com/

8/15- Romancing Rakes For the Love of Romance (series spotlight)

http://romancingrakes4theluvofromance.blogspot.com/

8/16- In Shadows (interview)

http://brynnacurryguests.blogspot.com/

8/16- Books-N-Kisses (interview)

https://books-n-kisses.com/

8/17- Fandom Fanatic (series spotlight)

http://fandomfanatic.blogspot.com/

8/17- Mythical Books (guest post)

http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/

8/18- Ramblings From This Chick (guest post/review)

http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/

8/19 – Book Nerd

http://booknerdash.blogspot.com/

8/19- Riverina Romantics (series spotlight)

http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

8/20- You Gotta Read Reviews (guest post)

http://yougottaread.com/

8/21- Book Monster Reviews (series spotlight/excerpt)

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

8/22- Dalene’s Book Reviews

http://www.dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com/

8/23-Rock’n The Muses (interview)

http://rocknthemuses.blogspot.com/

8/23- The Reading Cafe (series spotlight/review) evening post live at 6pm

http://thereadingcafe.com/

8/24- KT Book Reviews (series spotlight)

http://ktbookreviews.blogspot.com/

8/25- Two Sassy Chicks (series spotlight/review)

http://twosassychicks.wordpress.com/

8/25- Wicked Readings by Tawania (series spotlight)

http://www.wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com/

8/26- Miscellaneous Thoughts of A Bookaholic (series spotlight/review)

http://miscellaneousthoughtsofabookaholic.blogspot.com/

8/27- My Secret Romance (series spotlight/review)

http://www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com/

8/28- Book Lovin’ Mamas (guest post/review)

http://booklovinmamas.com/

8/29- Cocktails and Books (series spotlight/review)

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

8/29- We Love Kink (series spotlight/review)

http://www.welovekink.com/

8/30- Delphina’s Book Reviews (series spotlight)

http://www.delphinareadstoomuch.com/

8/31- Books, Books & More Books (guest post)

http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/

August 12, 2013August 7, 2013

Interview with Carly Phillips

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Carly Phillips to the blog today to talk about her newest release “Perfect Fling”.

Carly, can you please share with us a little about yourself?

I’m a homebody, a bookworm, a dog lover, a family girl. I have a tight circle of friends that mean the world to me. I love to write and I write to live – it fulfills me. I knit on occasion. Currently I’m not finding the time. I’m an Internet junkie and I love hanging with my daughters.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Nope! I’ve always been an avid reader from a young age. I remember spending Sundays in bed reading. So I think the author thing stemmed from that – and from making up stories in my head growing up.

Are you a plotter or a punster or combo of both? And you explain the difference?

Mostly a pantser with the immediate next scene or two plotted out. If you’re a plotter, you know where you are going with your story and characters before you ever sit down to write. If you are a pantser then you “fly by the seat of your pants” … so to speak.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if it’s a quirk. I just know I struggle the most the first 1/3 of a story until things click – and then I can write much faster. Usually. Every book is different, though. Sometimes they come easily and sometimes they … umm … don’t.

Can you please tell us about PERFECT FLING?

On one hand, Perfect Fling is the good girl who meets bad boy story but it’Perfect Fling tackles the subject of what happens to someone who is raised to believe he’s no good? How can he be convinced otherwise when that voice in his head overrules what his heroine sees? Cole Sanders has spent years under cover and barely knows who HE is. He likes it that way, distant from everyone and not letting anyone close. Until a one night stand with good girl Erin Marsden leaves them with the closest connection of all – a baby! Then Erin is threatened and Cole steps up to protect her forcing them to come to terms with each other. And love.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

The Serendipity’s Finest series flowed naturally from Serendipity. Sam, the cop, stood out to me and to readers, so it felt right to give him a story … but when I set up his family I realized he wasn’t about to come next. He needed his siblings’ stories told first!

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

Nope J Because I’m on a break and trying to decide exactly what that is … otherwise I’d be happy to, LOL!

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

I really wanted to meet Kristen Ashley and see how her brain worked because I adore her stories. We had breakfast at RWA last month and I was shocked to find she’s perfectly normal, LOL. I thought maybe I’d see her and some of that plotting brilliance would come my way. LOL. I had a blast meeting her. A real fan girl moment.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Do it. Sit down and finish a book. Show yourself you can. Then prepare yourself for rejection and develop a thick skin. But never stop writing. Remember you do it for the love of it!

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Hmm. I don’t really have a bucket list. I would like to visit Israel one day though.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

The next Kit Rocha Dystopian Romance, Beyond Pain.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

Ack! I’m sorry. I’m not that deep! I don’t know!

Who is your Celebrity crush? And what would you do if you ever meet them?

Oh wow. I used to say George Clooney is my “freebie.” If I met him I’d probably run the other way. I’m a coward!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me! I love visiting with you. You can join my newsletter via my website at www.carlyphillips.com so you’ll be first to know. I also post at Facebook: www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage and on Twitter: www.twitter.com/carlyphillips . That way you won’t miss a thing!

August 12, 2013August 11, 2013

Interview and Giveaway with Heather Lyons

I recently read Heather’s books, A Matter of Fate and A Matter of Heart, in just a few days. I was so fascinated with her characters and story line that I couldn’t stop reading until I devoured them both. I am very lucky to have her here today to discuss her new book, A Matter of Heart, which just recently came out.

1. Tell me about your new release, A Matter of Heart.

I recently released the second book in my Fate series, A Matter of Heart (the first is A Matter of Fate). The series, which starts as Young Adult and transitions to New Adult in this second book, follows the journey of Chloe Lilywhite, a powerful Creator who is not only partially responsible for all of the worlds she and the rest of the Magicals oversee, but is also entrenched in a truly messy love triangle between twin brothers. In A Matter of Heart, Chloe settles into her role on the Council while having to deal with all of the complicated emotions stemming from being in love with two people.

2. Where did you come up with the idea for this series?

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been fascinated with various mythologies from around the world. It was always fun to wonder what it would be like if there WERE people who oversaw our world, from the crops we grow to the weather to how people acquire knowledge. So when I sat down to write the Fate series, I knew I wanted to explore what these beings would be like and how they work; having one of the most powerful (and conflicted) being a teenage girl seemed almost too fun to pass up.

3. Do you have any actors that you envision when you are writing your characters?

For some, right away yes, for some no. There are a lot of characters that I have trouble matching up to actors/models/etc. But for the three main characters in my Fate series, I do have a pair of actors that I feel look fairly close to how they do in my head. For Chloe Lilywhite, Imogene Poots is pretty spot on. For Jonah and Kellan, who are identical twins, I see Ben Barnes (when he was younger) in the role.

4. What are you currently working on ?

I am currently wrapping up a story that has its roots in Greek mythology. See? I love me some mythologies!

5. What is your favorite book that you’ve read at the moment?

Oh, wow. This is like picking a favorite child. Hmm….I’m going to have to go with Persuasion by Jane Austen. I’ve only read it a zillion times! If we’re talking recent releases, I absolutely adored Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. Ooh-la-la!

6. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Write. Write some more. And then keep on writing!

Thank you so much for answering my questions. It is a pleasure to have you here today.

Thank you so much for having me!

About the Author:

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Links:

Website /Author Goodreads / Twitter /Facebook

Chloe Lilywhite struggles with all the normal problems of a typical seventeen-year-old high school student. Only, Chloe isn’t a normal teenage girl. She’s a Magical, part of a secret race of beings who influence the universe. More importantly, she’s a Creator, which means Fate mapped out her destiny long ago, from her college choice, to where she will live, to even her job. While her friends and relatives relish their future roles, Chloe resents the lack of say in her life, especially when she learns she’s to be guarded against a vengeful group of beings bent on wiping out her kind. Their number one target? Chloe, of course.

That’s nothing compared to the boy trouble she’s gotten herself into. Because a guy she’s literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to.

Chloe’s once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble /Goodreads

Jennifer’s Review of A Matter of Heart

TITLE: A Matter of Heart

SERIES #: Fate Series #2

CHARACTERS: Chloe Lilywhite, Jonah and Kellan Whitecomb

AUTHOR: Heather Lyons

PUBLICATION DATE: 06/25/13

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: No longer in high school, Chloe Lilywhite is now living and working in Annar, the Magicals city-state plane of existence. Since moving, she’s joined the Council, gone on missions with the Guard, moved into her own apartment, and enrolled at the University of Annar. Plus, she’s happily engaged to be married to Jonah Whitecomb, the literal man of her dreams, not to mention her Connection. While she still struggles with aspects of her craft, Chloe feels like she’s finally coming into her own, especially after a difficult year that had her questioning nearly everything in her life.

After a brutal attack by the Elders, her life is turned upside down once more. Accusations fly throughout the Council and Guard, forcing Chloe to confront her worst fears about what she’s capable of as a Creator. And then there’s the matter of Kellan Whitecomb, Jonah’s twin brother and Chloe’s ex, who resurfaces after disappearing months before. Although Chloe chose Jonah, and despite their best efforts, the two find it hard to stay away from another.

But no matter what Fate throws at her, Chloe is determined to take charge of her life, even as it begins to spiral out of control.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Five Stars

REVIEW: I devoured A Matter of Fate in a couple of days and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on A Matter of Heart. Chloe Lilywhite has taken her place as Creator on the council and is immediately assigned challenging missions right out of the gate. Being put in a powerful yet stressful position at such a young age provides Chloe with so many conflicted emotions that it was hard to watch at times as she struggled with these difficult decisions. She has a terrible burden placed on her shoulders and I was impressed with her character because I know that I never would have been able to handle that level of stress at her age. With these changes, Chloe also has to deal with the fact that the threat from the Elders is escalating and is now putting everyone that she loves in harm’s way.

Her relationship with Jonah has taken a more serious turn now that they have moved to Annar and live next to each other. They are engaged to be married but Chloe still feels conflicted because of her feelings for his twin, Kellan. In the first book, I absolutely adored Kellan because I just felt that he was a better match for Chloe, even though she was Connected and destined to be with Jonah. In this book, she still has to work with Kellan, which is awkward and confusing at times because they are both unsure about what to say to each other. The feelings are still there and I just find myself liking Kellan more and more. The love triangle between the three intensifies in this book and it was such an gut-wrenching emotional roller-coaster from beginning to end.

I loved A Matter of Heart and Heather’s writing captured my attention from the very start. I can’t wait to read A Matter of Truth which is due out in December because I can’t wait to see what happens to Chloe next after the events in A Matter of Heart.

Giveaway

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August 9, 2013August 7, 2013

Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea Interview with April Genevieve Tucholke

I am so excited to have April Genevieve Tucholke here today to discuss her new novel, Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea. This book has been on my radar for quite some time and I definitely enjoyed this Gothic thriller.

1. Tell me about your new release Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea.

It comes out Aug. 15 from Penguin/Dial. It’s a Gothic horror. It’s 368 pages. The characters cook a lot of good food, in between scenes of dread and terror. There is some kissing, and some blood. It’s rated PG-13 for violence and some sexuality.

2. Where did you come up with the idea for this?

I read this article while living in Scotland: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8574484.stm The entire book spun off from this truth-is-stranger-than-fiction news story. I wondered about the kid who started the rumor about the vampire in the cemetery–no doubt it all came down to one charismatic little liar of a kid. This is where I got the idea for River…

3. What attracted you to the YA genre?

I like writing teenage characters. I remember being a teen. Vividly. I think it’s a complex, fascinating, action-packed stretch of time. Or at least I can make it seem that way, fictionally.

4. Did you have any actors in mind when you were writing your characters?

You know, I didn’t. I was worried I would unconsciously alter the original characters, if I imagined actors playing the role. I still haven’t thought about it, I guess. Maybe I’ll have to leave it up to the readers 🙂

5. What are you working on now?

I’m doing the final revisions on the DEVIL sequel, BETWEEN THE SPARK AND THE BURN. Then I go back to working on my post-apocalypse book THE SCARECROW.

6. Are there any authors that you feel influence you?

Completely. Meg Rosoff. Susanna Clarke. The Brontes. Daphne du Maurier. Stephen King. Lovecraft.

7. Any advice for aspiring writers?

Read. Write, sure, that’s important…but also read. Read, read, read. All genres. Not just the one you’re writing in. Read the classics and read poetry and read science fiction and travel memoirs. Read it all.

Thank you so much for being here today and I hope that everyone reads your book because I know they will love it.

Thanks for this opportunity.

About the Author:

April Genevieve Tucholke digs classic movies, red-headed villains, big kitchens, and discussing murder at the dinner table. She and her husband Nate Pedersen live in Oregon at the edge of a forest.

Jennifer’s Review of Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea

TITLE: Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea

CHARACTERS: Violet White and River West

AUTHOR: April Genevieve Tucholke

PUBLICATION DATE: 08/15/13

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: You stop fearing the Devil when you’re holding his hand………..

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more?

Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery…who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Five Stars

This was a hauntingly romantic story with dramatic characters and a rich atmosphere that just adds to its Gothic storyline. Violet and her brother, Luke, are living on their own ever since their parents left to study art in Paris. To make ends meet, Violet rents out the cottage behind their home to the mysterious and charming River West. Violet and River start spending a lot of time with one another and Violet soon begins to develop feelings for this handsome young man. Around the time of River’s arrival in town, strange events occur around Violet and her friends, which leads her to believe that River may have ulterior motives for being there. Is River a victim of circumstance or is he behind all the mysterious occurrences?

River was definitely a bad boy, someone who you know will break your heart but you can’t help falling in love with him anyways. He was so charming, smart and everyone automatically liked him on sight. But that was his downfall. If someone seems to be too good to be true, they usually are and I always felt that River was hiding something from Violet throughout the course of the book.

Violet was such a sweet girl and I connected with her from the very beginning. She was trying to keep everything together with her parents and her beloved grandmother gone, and she had this inner strength that you usually don’t see with girls that age. Even though she was a smart young girl, she still had this innocence about her, especially when it came to boys and relationships. Watching Violet fall in love for the first time brought back memories because that first love is always bittersweet and even though she believes that River may be responsible for the mysterious events plaguing the town, she can’t help falling for him.

Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea is a great novel that is bound to become a classic. With its timeless characters and darkly rich scenery, April Genevieve Tucholke is a master storyteller and I can’t wait to see what she creates next.

August 9, 2013August 9, 2013

Kelly’s video interview with Maya Banks

I had the amazing opportunity to sit down and chat with Maya Banks about her newest release “Burn”. Which is the final book in the “Breathless series”.

Please take a look at Maya’s interview learn what she loves so much about the Breathless Series, who her favorite character is and what is coming up next for Maya.

Now that you have watched the video.

How about a giveaway?

I will be giving away one e-set of the Breathless Series (Rush, Fever & Burn)

Please fill out the Rafflecopter from below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

August 8, 2013August 6, 2013

Interview & Tour wide giveaway with Gena Showalter

Books-n-Kisses is excited to have Gena Showalter back on the blog to talk about her newest relesase “Darkest Cravings” book 10 in the Lords of the Underworld series.

Gena, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I put this question off and put this question off, answering all of the others first LOL Talk about myself? Shudder! Um…I guess I am quirky and driven. Definitely trying to kick a Vanilla Birthday Cake Oreo habit. Animal lover. Wife. Mom. (Perhaps here is a good place to mention these facts aren’t in any kind of order of importance.) Day dreamer. Split end hunter/slayer. And forever trying to tame curly hair into something sleek and straight.

Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?

My workday depends on what stage I’ve reached in the writing process.

Rough draft, on time — a chapter a day, six days a week. Usually takes anywhere from two to eight hours a day.

Rough draft, running behind – two chapters a day, six days a week. Usually takes anywhere from six to twelve hours a day.

Revisions – I work twelve to fourteen hours, six days a week. (Or, when it’s heavy and on a really tight deadline—like now—seven days a week, from the time I wake up until the time I go to bed.)

Editing – I go over 50-100 pages a day, six days a week, however long that takes.

I start when I wake up, and I go, go, go until I’ve finished the day’s goal. I do take a break to have lunch and walk my dogs.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Holding the finished book in my hot little hands…wow. You never forget the blood, sweat, and tears you pour into the pages, or the struggles, or the time…oh, the time! Sometimes you spend more time with your characters than your family. Seeing the finished product is like a dream come true.

Can you please tell us about your latest book “Darkest Cravings” ?

My pleasure!

Having endured weeks of torture in the bowels of hell, Kane wants nothing to do with his beautiful rescuer, Josephina Aisling. The half-Fae female threatens to awaken the demon of Disaster inside him—a beast he’s determined to kill, no matter the price.

Josephina is hunted by a brutal enemy—her royal family—and Kane is her only source of protection. He’s also the only male to ever set her aflame, and even he succumbs to the heat. But as they navigate the treacherous world of the Fae, they are forced to make a choice: live apart…or die together.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Kane has been around for a while now. As the keeper of Disaster, he’s shown up in almost all of the Lords of the Underworld books. When I last saw him, he was trapped in hell and being tortured by demons. I just had to find a way to get him out—and a woman who would be able to put Disaster in his place. Enter Josephina the Fae. She grew up in the world of the Fae, where the Lords of the Underworld are like rock stars. In the beginning, she has a hard time not asking Kane for an autograph (though she’s a bigger fan of Paris and Torin, much to Kane’s chagrin). She’s an intriguing mix of sassy modern and old world charm, but like Kane, she knows the horrors of disaster.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Right now I’m working on revisions for Black and Blue, an Otherworld Assassins novel. Here’s a little about it:

HE IS EVERY WOMAN’S FANTASY. . .

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent…and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help―a woman with even more secrets than Blue.  . . .

SHE BECOMES HIS ONLY OBSESSION

Evangaline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breeched her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now, he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he’d rather die than live without her…

Gotta say, it’s one of my sexier books. Every time I finish a round of revisions or edits, I have a hard time getting the hero and heroine out of my head. They stick with me, and it makes it difficult to move on to another project.

Open your book to a random page and read us a few lines.

From Darkest Craving:

“I have to get this blood off me,” he said, “and I want you within reach. So. Like I told you, stay. Please.” He messed with the knobs on the shower until water began to spew. Then he placed his fingers at the waist of his pants, paused, as if trying to decide what to do next. Finally, he exhaled heavily and unfastened the material.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

MacRieve by Kresley Cole. I happen to be one blessed girl and landed an advanced copy. Oh, my goodness, this book! Kresley has outdone herself! I loved every word, every scene, every character. Some of my favorite things about it: how twisted MacRieve is due to a childhood trauma, the bond between MacRieve and his twin brother–I think everyone craves a relationship like that—and MacRieve’s alpha protectiveness toward the heroine, Chloe…talk about toe curling! Seriously. This book is not to be missed!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One of my favorite things to do is name some of my favorite authors, in case readers are looking for someone to read. You can’t go wrong with: Jill Monroe, Kresely Cole, Roxanne St. Claire, Katie McGarry, Kait Ballenger, Louisa Edwards, Kristen Painter, Karen Marie Moning, Larissa Ione, and Nalini Singh.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. If you could please make sure to include links to your Website, Facebook page, Twitter account or Goodread’s page I will make sure to include them in the post. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me.

Thanks so much for having me!

Where to find Gena: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY TIME:

Gena is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour:

GRAND PRIZE: $100.00 gift card to Amazon

RUNNERS-UP: Two (2) runners-up will receive a paperback of THE DARKEST CRAVING

OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!

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*****

The Darkest Craving

LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD Book #10

Release Date: July 30, 2013

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A quick peek at the rest of the Lords of the Underworld Series:

Long ago, twelve immortals warriors – each more dangerously seductive than the last — stole and opened Pandora’s box, unleashing the evil from within. Now they carry that evil within themselves. Violence, Pain, Death, Disease, Disaster, Misery, Doubt, Promiscuity, Defeat, Lies, Secrets, and Wrath. When a powerful enemy returns, they will travel the world in search of a sacred relic of the gods – one that threatens to destroy them all.

[gallery, size =”medium” ids=”18341,18342,18343,18344,18345,18346,18347,18348,18349,18350″]

LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD Series Reading Order:

The Darkest Fire (Lords of the Underworld, #0.5)

The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, #1)

The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld, #2)

The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld, #3)

The Darkest Prison (Lords of the Underworld, #3.5)

The Darkest Whisper (Lords of the Underworld, #4)

Heart of Darkness Anthology (Includes: Lords of the Underworld, #4.5)

After Dark Anthology: The Darkest Angel (Lords of The Underworld, #4.5)

The Darkest Passion (Lords of the Underworld, #5)

The Darkest Lie (Lords of the Underworld, #6)

The Darkest Secret (Lords of the Underworld, #7)

The Darkest Surrender (Lords of the Underworld, #8)

The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld, #9)

The Darkest Craving (Lords of The Underworld, #10)

August 6, 2013August 3, 2013

Interview with Lorelei James

Books-n-Kisses is please to welcome first time guess Lorelei James to the blog today to talk about her newest release Turn and Burn.

Lorelei, can you please share with us a little about yourself.

I’m a fulltime author, with a husband of 28 years, 3 daughters ranging in age from 23 to 17, I live in western South Dakota and I have the best job in the world.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I always dreamed of it, never thought it would happen. Then I realized in order to make it happen I actually had to sit down and write. I waited until my youngest was 3 before I actually pursued it as a career. Once I started, I couldn’t stop! And here I am thirty-some books later still loving it.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I cannot listen to music EVER when I write.

Can you please tell us about TURN AND BURN?

It’s the 5^th book in the Blacktop Cowboys series that features Texas barrel racer Tanna Barker and veterinarian August “Fletch” Fletcher. The books in this series follow a group of friends from Muddy Gap, Wyoming. Tanna is down on her luck and she’s in Muddy Gap to figure out the next step in her life, and Fletch finally realized after meeting Tanna, he’d like to have a life beyond the care he gives animals.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

TURN AND BURN is a barrel racing term and I knew from the minute feisty wild-woman Tanna walked onto the page in CORRALLED that I’d want to write her story. It was funny that many of my readers assumed I was pairing Tanna with another character—so I’m tricky that way. Same thing with Fletch, he’s been in a few of the books and he’s the type of man who demands his own story so I gave it to him.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I just finished BOUND, the 1^st book in the upcoming new Mastered Series that releases in early 2014, which is not a cowboy book or a western. I’ve started work on the 2^nd book in that series, UNWOUND. Then I’ll write DOCTOR FEELGOOD, in the Wild West Boys series and I’m finishing up the synopsis for HILLBILLY ROCKSTAR the 6^th book in the Blacktop Cowboys series.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

I’d love to meet Nora Roberts, aka JD Robb because the In Death series is the best series out there period.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Like the genre you’re writing in—and don’t let the “what will my grandma think of this story?” doubts keep you from writing it the way you want to.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

I’m dying to go to the Calgary Stampede—the biggest Canadian Rodeo.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I’m a huge Kresley Cole fan, anything she writes is an auto buy for me. Same with JD Robb—I can’t get enough of Eve Dallas and Roarke.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for having me at Books n’ Kisses—I love connecting with readers!

A little more about the Author:

When New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorelei James is not squirreled away behind her laptop in the Black Hills of western South Dakota, she can be found reading, shootin’ her .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour, and running a kids’ taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles. Visit her online at Visit her online at www.loreleijames.com, www.facebook.com/lorelei-james, and www.twitter.com/loreleijames.

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Tanna Barker is a world champion barrel racer. But her personal life has been less of a success, and she’s feeling adrift. After her mother’s unexpected death, her father has remarried, and sold the Texas ranch she called home. Now a rodeo injury has left the restless spitfire holed up in Muddy Gap, unsure what her next move should be.

Until she meets her match in a wild, wild cowboy

Veterinarian August Fletcher has always put his job first. He’s never found a woman who could handle his on-the-road lifestyle. But when sassy, sexy Tanna blows into town, he finally finds the woman of his fantasies. And there’s something between them, but she claims she’s been burned by love ’em and leave ’em road dogs before. How can Fletch prove that he’s in it for the long haul, and that their sizzling relationship is better than winning any rodeo medal? It’ll take some sweet persuasion to convince Tanna that Muddy Gap is where she belongs

August 5, 2013August 5, 2013

Interview & Giveaway with Shana Galen

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back Shana Galen to the blog today to talk about her newest release Lord & Lady Spy.

Shana, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’m a wife, mother to a three-year-old romance heroine in the making, and writer of fast-paced historical romance novels.

Find Shana here: Website Facebook Twitter

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Not at all. I wanted to be an opera singer and a psychologist and half a dozen other professions over the years. I don’t think I realized “author” was a profession. I did always love to tell stories.

Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?

A typical writing day has me up early (like 4 a.m. ) and at my computer working. My daughter gets up about 6:30, and then I spend most of the day with her. In the evening, I’m back at the computer. I definitely try to send some time with my husband too. I have to have silence to write. There’s nothing I have to have. I can work through anything. I do prefer silence, a Diet Dr. Pepper, and a box of Milkduds, but the days when I have any or all of that are few and far between.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most challenging part is finding the time to write. The most rewarding part is when a reader tells me she enjoyed one of my books.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

The Spy Wore Blue is a digital novella. Please don’t buy it thinking it’s a full-length book. That said, I really do give the reader a complete love story. This one is about Blue, a spy I introduced in Lord and Lady Spy. He’s in Naples looking for an assassin. While he’s there he has to work with his estranged wife. She’s an opera singer (wonder where that idea came from, right?), and during the course of Blue’s investigation she becomes a target of the assassin.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I never envisioned Blue as a hero, but my readers kept asking for his story. I didn’t think I could write a 90K book for him, so I proposed writing a novella. Turns out I probably could have written a 90K book for him, but I really enjoyed writing the novella. It was a fun length and challenging for me to complete in a way I thought would satisfy readers. So I didn’t actually come up with the idea for the book, my readers did. I had to figure out the plot, though. That’s always the way of things!

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Absolutely! I’m working on the third Lord and Lady Spy book, Love and Let Spy. It will conclude Adrian and Sophia’s story from Lord and Lady Spy and True Spies, and it introduces a new couple.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Marsha Canham, Julie Garwood, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Kiera Cass, and JD Robb.

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?

I’m the most inspired by Marsha Canham and Julie Garwood. I could never write as well as either of them, but I definitely aim for the bar they’ve set with each novel I’ve written. JD Robb also inspires me. Not all of my heroines are tough, but when I write one, I like to channel a bit of Eve Dallas.

Open your book to a random page and please reads us a few lines. It’s an ebook, so I have to open the document…

“So not everyone finds you charming.”

His fingers stilled, and the coin appeared. Blue looked at her and smiled. “There are a few who still resist my charms.”

“God knows I was never one of them.” She didn’t know why she said as much. Perhaps because he had revealed something to her—information about this Maîtriser group—and she felt obliged to repay in kind. He rose now, and she took a step back.

“You can’t resist me?” he said quietly. She did not like the seductive tone in his voice.

“I’m certain I could now.”

He moved closer, and she felt the heat of him, felt the solidness of him. He was really here, in the flesh, his body all but touching hers. She felt a wave of dizziness at being this close to him.

“Shall we test that theory?”

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I’m looking forward to Katharine Ashe’s I Married the Duke, The Ruin of a Rogue by Miranda Neville, Lily Dalton’s debut, Never Desire a Duke, and Theresa Romain’s first book with my publisher, Sourcebooks, It Takes Two to Tangle.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me!

GIVEAWAY TIME:

Comment to win a copy of the book where Blue is introduced, Lord and Lady Spy.

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August 2, 2013August 2, 2013

Letters to Nowhere with Julie Cross

I’m proud to have Julie Cross here today to discuss her new book, Letters to Nowhere. This is a sweet romance that I hope that you will check out.

1. Tell me a little bit about your new release Letters to Nowhere.

LtN has all the usual elements readers are looking for in a contemporary teen romance—a swoon worthy boy, sexual tension, emotional connection and conflicts that make the relationship complicated at times—but there’s also this added element of the world of elite gymnastics. I’m such a fan of sports-themed YA and NA novels. I read all of them I can get my hands on and I can honestly say that LtN is very true to the sport of gymnastics and it is a huge part of the plot, not just this thing on the side that doesn’t get nearly enough page time. Gymnastics is my main character, Karen’s, life. She lives it and breathes it. She does all her schooling online and trains 7-8 hours per day, six days a week. There’s really no room for boys in her life but somehow, one boy finds his way into her life and her heart. In this case, it’s exactly what Karen needs.

2. I understand that this book has a special place in your heart. Are you able to share with us?

Yes, LtN is truly the book of my heart. Up until a few months before my first novel, Tempest, released I worked full time as a Gymnastics Program Director at the YMCA. I participated and competed in gymnastics on and off until I was 15. At 15, I started coaching at a YMCA in the Chicago area. I’ve coaching ever since and I’m 33 now. My daughters compete in gymnastics now so I volunteer coach at their gym when I’m available. My passion for the sport and learning everything I could about it is identical to my passion for writing.

Since I began writing in May of 2009, I’ve dreamt about writing a YA novel with an elite gymnast narrating. It combines my two greatest passions—gymnastics and teen fiction. I would have killed to read this book or anything like it when I was a teenager and even now. But at the time I began writing and even after having a book deal, there just wasn’t much of a market for contemporary YA and NA didn’t have a place at all until recently, so I pushed the idea aside and forced myself to think of concepts that would pay the bills and allow me to be at home with my kids. Until I had a very clear concept in January of 2012. It started with a question, as books often do. Female elite gymnasts are often still children and the support system required from families to get to that level is huge. So I had this girl in my head who had big dreams—World and Olympic level dreams—and then I thought, what if her support system was suddenly and instantly gone? Could she keep going? And if not, what would she do? She’s never been to high school, never done teenage activities, she doesn’t know how to be 17. The characters spoke to me and wouldn’t stop. The scenes played out. Then the Olympic Games happened last summer, and I had no choice but to write this book, marketable or not.

3. Which actors do you envision playing your characters in Letters to Nowhere?

Karen, to me, has always been a red-headed McKayla Maroney. I can’t see her as anyone else. Her teammates make up the secondary characters and I have former and present day gymnasts envisioned for each of them. As far as Jordan (the main love interest in LtN) goes, Conner Jessup from the TNT hit series Falling Skies is just perfect.

4. What are you working on next?

I’m working on sequels for LtN. There’s still a lot for Karen to accomplish and many of my early beta readers threatened to stalk me constantly if I didn’t continue the story. I also have two Mature YA/NA releases coming out this fall and a co-authored NA series set in the world of NYC models that I wrote with Mark Perini titled HALFWAY PERFECT has sold recently and will probably release summer 2014. There’s also TIMESTORM, the final book in the Tempest series releasing in January 2014.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

1) Read a lot. And more specifically, read in the genre you’d like to be published in
2) If you’re writing YA or NA or even MG, write the story your teen or tween self would have wanted to read.

About the Author:

I live in central Illinois with my wonderful husband and three kids currently between the ages of 7 and 12 (the kids not the husband). My writing journey began in May, 2009 with a short story in a notebook.

Within a year, I had written seven (some good some God-awful) young adult novels. Not being a college graduate and having spent the previous fifteen years teaching gymnastics and working as a YMCA Program Director for Recreational Gymnastics, professional writing wasn’t in my plans. Not even close. But ever since the day I started that short story, I haven’t been able to stop. It was love at first sight.

After about a year of writing, I had a three book deal with St. Martin’s Press, and a film option with Summit Entertainment. Crazy, right? I know. It wasn’t until August of 2011 that I quit working full time in order to be at home with my kids more and of course, write more. My young adult time travel debut novel, Tempest, released on January 17, 2012. The rest of my personal story remains unwritten.

Jennifer’s Review of Letters To Nowhere

TITLE: Letters to Nowhere

CHARACTERS: Karen Campbell and Jordan Bentley

AUTHOR: Julie Cross

PUBLICATION DATE: 08/06/13

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Seventeen year old Karen Campbell has just lost both her parents in a tragic car accident. Grief stricken and alone, her gymnastics coach opens his home to Karen, providing her a place to live while she continues to train, working toward a spot on the world championship team.

Coach Bentley’s only child, seventeen year old Jordan is good-looking and charming enough to scare away a girl like Karen–someone who has spent ten times more hours on balance beams and uneven bars than talking or even thinking about boys. But the two teens share a special connection almost immediately. It turns out Jordan has a tragic past of his own, grief buried for years.

As Karen’s gymnastics career soars, her nightmares and visions of the horrible accident grow in strength. She can only avoid facing her grief for so long before it begins to surface and ultimately spin out of control in a very dangerous way. Can discovering love and lust (simultaneously) help with the grieving process or will it only provide a temporary distraction while waiting for reality to hit full force.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars

REVIEW: This book was an emotional coming of age story about a young gymnast named Karen who is still reeling from the loss of her parents after a tragic car accident. Not sure where to go with her parents gone, her coach offers to take her in so she can finish school and still be able to train with her team. Coach Bentley has also dealt with loss, and his young son, Jordan, becomes an ally and confidant for Karen during this troubling time. Besides dealing with her grief, Karen also starts to experience normal teenage milestones such as dating and falling in love without the support of her family.

I loved Julie Cross’ style of writing in her previous novels and this book really captures Karen’s emotional journey of navigating through her teenage years without her mom and how that loss shapes who she is. I loved how Karen wrote letters to the people in her life about what she was feeling that she never planned to send, which really touched my heart. I couldn’t imagine losing my family such as Karen did and she was tremendously brave to continue with her normal routine knowing that every step of the way she would be thinking of her parents. I connected with her almost immediately and I was glad that she had the relationship with Jordan that she did. He was smart, funny and just what Karen needed to get through this period of her life. Neither of them are perfect but they fit well together and I loved watching their relationship grow during the course of this story. I really enjoyed Letters to Nowhere and Karen’s story of grief, triumph, friendship and love will stick with you long after you finish the last page.

August 2, 2013August 2, 2013

Interview & Giveaway with Laura Kaye

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back Laura Kaye!!!!!!

Laura, we always love having you here. Can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’d love to! And thanks for having me back at Books-n-Kisses again! I write paranormal and contemporary romance and current have four series: Vampire Warrior Kings, of which Taken by the Vampire King is the third book; the Greek-mythology-inspired Hearts of the Anemoi series; the Heroes series, and my new Hard Ink series that debuts this November. I’m also a mom of two young girls, owner of a cute-but-bad dog, and total vampire nut!

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Not exactly. From a young age I knew I wanted to research, write, and teach history, so that’s what I did. I have a PhD in American history and have taught at the college level for the past 15 years. As part of that work, I am a non-fiction author. But it wasn’t until I suffered a minor traumatic brain injury five years ago that I developed an insatiable creative streak that most manifested itself in writing fiction. Now I couldn’t live without it.

Are you a plotter or a pantser or combo of both? And you explain the difference?

I used to be a total seat-of-my-pants writer (i.e., a pantser, someone who doesn’t do much or any advanced planning for a book), and I still prefer that. But once you start selling books on proposal and having back-to-back deadlines, plotting becomes more and more important and necessary (i.e., a plotter, someone who to varying degrees plans and outlines what’s going to happen in the book before they start writing). So now I’m a combination of both.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

LOL! Hmm… For most of my recent books, I’ve listened to one song on repeat hundreds of times while I wrote that particular book. A different song for each book. After a while, it becomes the best white noise!

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

I’d love to! Taken by the Vampire King is a beauty-and-the-beast story set in Tromso, Norway, featuring a dying vampire king and a terminally ill human woman determined to pursue her dreams for however long she has left. Here’s the blurb:

Henrik Magnusson is supposed to be immortal, but a mysterious ailment leaves the vampire king near death, and not even the blood of the Proffered, human virgins trained to serve the elite, can sustain him. Then he rescues a beautiful young woman from his enemies, and is filled with blood lust and desire he hasn’t felt for centuries.

Photographer Kaira Sorenson’s life takes a nightmare turn when she’s attacked by blood-thirsty creatures—and saved by a vampire. She should be afraid of Henrik, but she can’t deny her intense attraction to this regal, enigmatic being—nor the fact that her blood may be his only salvation. Now she must decide if she’s willing to be his forever… (order links below)

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I’ve always wanted to include the Northern Lights in a story! LOL And I’ve always loved the Beauty and the Beast set-up. And I always knew this king was dying. Those were the germs for the story and from there, it took shape.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I am currently writing Hard as You Can (Hard Ink #2) – hot, hot, hot contemporary romance about the survivors of a Special Forces team who run an underground mission out of the back of a tattoo shop.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

J.R. Ward. Because she is my favorite author and I admire her writing very much. And to say thank you in person for recently providing me with a cover quote for my book, Hard As It Gets!!!

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Keep working at it, keep writing, keep believing, even when things are hard. And read. A lot.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

A lot of my bucket list is travel related. I MUST see the Northern Lights before I die. And I have to travel to Ireland, Russia, and Egypt.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

My TBR pile is ginormous! I want to read Emily McKay’s The Farm, Jennifer L. Armentrout’s new YA series, and I need to start Jessica Andersen’s books, to name a few.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

I don’t think such a thing exists. Reading is such an intensely personal and intimate experience, so I would assume that a book that deeply meant something to me would impact everyone that same way.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

I love summer because you can be outside and I’ve always loved the beach.

Who is your Celebrity crush? And what would you do if you ever meet them?

Chris Hemsworth. I would probably be so star struck that I just grinned ridiculously the whole time and meeting him would be over before I knew it. LOL

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Huge thank you to the readers who make this all possible! Love you guys!

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Excerpt:

“So, what? You want to drink my blood again?” Kaira drew her knees up under the hospital blanket.

At least her directness saved him the trouble of figuring out how to tell her what needed to happen here. “Ja.” He dragged a hand through his hair. Suddenly, an idea took shape in his mind. As much of a monster as this probably made him, he had to find out how feeding from her fully would impact his malady. But perhaps he could do something for her in return.

What if she fed from him, too?

His body snapped to attention, heartbeat pulsing in his fangs, cock hard and aching. He couldn’t remember the last time a woman had elicited these reactions. Blood lust and physical lust usually went hand in hand for a vampire, so he hadn’t craved the tight heat of a woman’s body in a very long time. Too long.

“That’s it? That’s all you have to say? Because, you know, I’m kinda using this blood over here.”

The angered heat behind her words did nothing to rein in his physical reactions. He swallowed hard, forcing down his hunger for her blood. And her body. “I know how this sounds, Kaira, and I am sorry. If there was another way…well, there isn’t. I’ve tried everything. I wouldn’t take more than you could afford to lose at one time. I don’t know if your blood will definitively cure me, but I do know without it…I’ve no chance at all.” He shook his head, still grappling with his thought of offering her his vein in return.

Usually, such a privilege was reserved for a vampire’s mate, especially given his rank and station. Not that he’d ever been successful at finding a blood match that might’ve led to his joining with a mate. For a single moment, he let himself imagine the immense satisfaction of Kaira’s lips at his throat, her tongue coaxing his blood into her mouth, her body clinging tightly to his.

His cock punched at the zipper to his jeans and his fangs stretched out against his bottom lip. And that reaction was another consideration. Could he feed her and not make it about sex? He wasn’t even sure it was possible.

Kaira gasped, her eyes trained on his mouth.

He almost turned away. But then he thought better of it. It would be good for her to see his true nature now and have the time to wrap her head around it.

At first, looming panic filled her expression. But then it shifted into what he would’ve sworn was abject fascination. Her respirations quickened, her heart rate thrummed, and the rich scent of her adrenaline filled the air—along with something else. Something hotter, sweeter, more feminine.

She was aroused. By the sight of his fangs.

He was merely a shadow of the male he’d once been. No delusions about what he looked like here. Was it really possible that someone as beautiful as Kaira could find him attractive?

“Kaira,” he said in a rasping warning. If she didn’t stop looking at him like that, he wouldn’t be responsible for his actions. She blinked and licked her lips. Which didn’t help his restraint one damn bit. He pushed onto his feet and braced his hands on each of the bedrails, a predator stalking her, boxing her in. “You need to understand how weak my restraint is right now.”

GIVEAWAY:

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One commenter who leaves their email address will win a $5 Amazon or B&N gift card!

Open to international! Good luck!

A little more about Laura:

Laura Kaye is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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August 2, 2013July 30, 2013

Interview with Jess Raven & Paula Black

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Jess Raven & Paula Black to the blog today to talk about their book Becoming Red.

Jess, Paula, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I (Paula) was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, where I live with my wonderfully supportive husband and children. My passions, other than writing, are reading, travelling and good food. I’ve been fortunate in my life to have seen quite a lot of the world, but my favorite places to escape to are the worlds in my head.

Jess: I was born and raised in Manchester, England. I live with my mum, who as well as being one of my best friends, is my biggest fan. When I’m not working, I’m reading or writing, and I love to travel, when I can. Anywhere and everywhere.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Paula: To this day, I have notebooks filled with poems and short stories written from when I was about nine years old. I rarely look at them and hardly a soul has ever seen them, but I could never quite bring myself to throw away that childhood dream. As so often happens, life took over. I went to college to study medicine, met my husband and we both embarked on extremely busy medical careers. It was only when I had my own children, and the opportunity to stay home to raise them, that I got the chance to finally revisit that early creativity.

Jess: Always. Words have been in my head since I knew how to form them, and the minute I could write my thoughts, no surface was safe. Napkins, menus, schoolbooks and (much to the dismay of my teachers) that blank page at the back of exam papers. Those are just some of the weird places. My mind wandered into other worlds a lot. I had more characters in my head as a child than I had friends. My life and writing has always been tightly intertwined, and my jobs have always allowed time for world building.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

Paula: Ha! It’s not really that interesting, and I’m sure a lot of writers do it, but I always laugh when I find myself mimicking the facial expressions of the characters I am writing. If I were to set a webcam to record my face while I write, I would no doubt curl up and die of embarrassment.

Jess: I don’t know if it’s a quirk, but I talk while I type. Constantly. I speak dialogue out loud; I growl when a character does, whether it’s me writing or Paula. I’ll speak lines I’ve written to make sure they sound right. I can’t write in silence. Having the TV on makes me quieter, but it won’t shut me up.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

We have just released Becoming Bad, the second book in our Becoming series. It’s an adult paranormal romance set in Dublin, Ireland.

In book one, our heroine, Ashling, discovered that the black lake beneath Dublin’s medieval city holds a secret. Imprisoned there for millennia, an ancient race of demi-gods have found a way to the surface and are preying on humans to feed their sexual appetites. Hunted to near-extinction, these half-men, half-beasts have been without a single female to breed a new generation. Until now. All her life, Ashling DeMorgan feared her dreams. She kept her head buried in ancient mythology, because the real world seemed so much scarier. On returning to Dublin to settle her invalid grandmother’s affairs, Ash discovered a city plagued by the same wolf-like creatures that killed her mother. Their bite is like sexual heroin and Ash has been bitten. Now she is trapped in a waking nightmare, with the monster who ordered the death of the only man she’s ever loved. Made to doubt if she ever really knew the assassin-turned-guardian who stole her heart and gave his life for hers, Ash finds herself betrayed by her own changing body. In a dangerous world of suspicion and divided loyalties, Ash must come to terms with what she is becoming. Worse still, her infuriatingly arrogant captor may just prove to be her most unlikely ally in what will become a life and death race for survival.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Jess came to me with a dream that she was little red riding hood, all grown up and being pursued through a forest by huge, predatory male, and when he caught her and pinned her to the ground, he shifted into his wolf form.

I rarely get to have those kind of sexy dreams. I’m usually woken pre-dawn by my kids diving all over the bed. But I did take them on a tour of Dublin city to discover its Viking origins and listened to the tale of an immortal Irish hero who supposedly dwells beneath the city and is her protector.

Those two elements combined to create our reluctant hero, Connal Savage.

Dublin city was originally founded by Viking invaders, and given the name of ‘Dubh Linn’ because of the black lake on which they moored their longboats. I’ve always found the idea of the black lake to be mysterious and evocative.

The Becoming world draws on a mix of ancient Irish and Norse mythology, with sexy alpha-male vikings, Celtic goddesses and the Fomorians (a mythical, semi-divine race, variously described as grotesque beasts and as beautiful men.) Add a smattering of Little Red Riding Hood transported to an edgy, urban setting and the addictive, drug-like sexual effects of the Fomorians’ bite on humans and you get some feel for the story.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

Right now, we are in the early stages of working on the third book of the Becoming trilogy, which promises to be an even wilder ride than the first two.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

Paula: I imagine that most authors are like me: much less interesting in real life than they are in the worlds of their imagination, but if he weren’t long dead, I’d love to have met Oscar Wilde. Barring dead people, I’d have to say Joss Whedon. What an incredible talent and imagination, and he seems like he’d be a lot of fun to know.

Jess: Joss is a god, his creativity knows no bounds. Hmm, I would probably have to say, if we’re going for living people, Neil Gaiman or Stephen King. The way they write the darker sides of humanity has always amazed me and people could learn some things from Gaiman’s Sandman. As to dead people, Jane Austen, without a doubt. Girl had a hell of a way with words

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Paula: Be patient before you publish. Seek honest opinions (not your friends and family). Edit, re-edit and edit again. Do it for the love of it, never for recognition or financial gain, and when the inevitable criticisms come, never forget why you started writing to begin with. Believe in your story and others will believe it too.

Jess: What Paula said. There isn’t much more to it than that. Maybe stock up on your favourite comfort food and pillows for when you get frustrated. Don’t give up. Even if some days it feels like getting down words is harder than pulling teeth from a werewolf, keep going. Write. Write a letter, write a poem, write your thoughts, just keep the words coming and your world will get back on track.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Paula: The most important thing I want to do before I die is to see my children grow up into happy, healthy secure adults. Everything else is frosting on the cake.

Jess: I want to survive a zombie apocalypse. Walking Dead style. Before or after Mr Darcy broods at me and sweeps me off my feet. I’m not picky.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

Paula: I am very much looking forward to Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Styxx. The concept of twins has always fascinated me, and I’ve always been partial to a strongly written anti-hero.

Jess: Ditto. I want to know how she redeems him. Acheron broke my heart with his back story, and Styxx has always been in shades of grey as to whether he’s cruel. I’m thinking not. He just needs a hug.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We’d just like to thank Books-n-Kisses for hosting us on your blog and for the great interview questions. It’s been a true pleasure and we’d love to meet with you again soon.

Where to find the Jess & Paula:

www.RavenandBlack.blogspot.com.

Twitter: @RavenandBlack.

Facebook page: Raven and Black.

*****

Becoming Red

(Book One)

Amazon |Smashwords | Paperback Becoming Red

‘You got me back. You always said you would.’

Ash DeMorgan, graduate, orphan, ice maiden, has long since consigned the fairytale nightmares of a troubled childhood to the realm of fantastical childish imagination.

Now, lured back to Dublin, the scene of her tragic past, Ash encounters a city pulsing under the dangerous sexual influence of a new street drug the locals call Rave. Nothing is as it seems. Ash is about to discover that her nightmares are real, ancient Irish myths are larger than life and roaming the streets of the medieval city, and she has become the prey in their erotic hunt. A step back into her past is about to become a high adrenaline race for survival.

Connal Savage, outcast, assassin, and living, breathing hunk of ancient mythology, has lived a thousand years servicing a debt of revenge. Dead inside. Until he encounters his boss’s granddaughter, an infuriating woman who threatens to lead him to hell with all his good intentions, who manages to chip away at the hard encrusted defenses of a lifetime spent at war and burrow herself deep into a part of him that hasn’t breathed for centuries. He is about to discover that when it comes down to the wire, when you’re bargaining with the Grim Reaper for the life of the one you love, you will do anything…

*****

Becoming Bad

Book two

Amazon | Smashwords | Paperback Becoming Bad

How do you fight the monster when it is inside of you?

The black lake beneath Dublin’s medieval city holds a secret. Imprisoned there for millennia, an ancient race of demi-gods have found a way to the surface and are preying on humans to feed their sexual appetites. Hunted to near-extinction, these half-men, half-beasts have been without a single female to breed a new generation. Until now.

All her life, Ashling DeMorgan feared her dreams. She kept her head buried in ancient mythology, because the real world seemed so much scarier. On returning to Dublin to settle her invalid grandmother’s affairs, Ash discovered a city plagued by the same wolf-like creatures that killed her mother. Their bite is like sexual heroin and Ash has been bitten. Now she is trapped in a waking nightmare, with the monster who ordered the death of the only man she’s ever loved. Made to doubt if she ever really knew the assassin-turned-guardian who stole her heart and gave his life for hers, Ash finds herself betrayed by her own changing body. In a dangerous world of suspicion and divided loyalties, Ash must come to terms with what she is becoming. Worse still, her infuriatingly arrogant captor may just prove to be her most unlikely ally in what will become a life and death race for survival.

MacTire, king of a once formidable race, has lived his life in the shadow of a half-brother who took everything from him. Connal Savage seduced his mate and engineered a genocide that all but exterminated their species. Finally, he has a chance at retribution. Connal’s woman is his for the taking. But are the bonds of brotherhood so easily severed and are the ghosts of the past ever truly dead and buried, or will they come back to haunt him?

GIVEAWAY:

We would be delighted to offer two winners ebook copies of both books 1&2 of the Becoming Series (we can provide Smashwords coupons either directly to the winners email or to you, to pass them on to the winners)

August 1, 2013July 31, 2013

Moonlight Blog Tour Interview & Giveaway with Lisa Kessler

Today we have the amazingly talented Lisa Kessler with us to discuss her new book, Moonlight. It has sexy werewolves, jaguar shifters, and a hot steamy romance that definitely shouldn’t be missed.

1. Tell me about your new release.
Moonlight is the first book in the Moon Series. I have 8 books planned for the series, so I sure hope readers jump on board so I can get them all out… 🙂

2. I absolutely love werewolves. Where did you come with the idea for this book?

Moonlight actually started from a short story I wrote when I was taking up Ray Bradbury’s challenge to write 52 stories in 52 weeks. I wrote a story very similar to the first chapter of the book and couldn’t let it rest. It felt like West Side Story with werewolves and jaguars, like a very deadly Romeo and Juliet kind of thing and I couldn’t stop wondering about what would happen to them. The book was done about six months later!

3. Do you have any actors that you envision when writing your characters?

Often I do… And then I load up Pinterest boards so I can pull it up while I’m writing to help inspire me… Here’s the board for Moonlight: http://pinterest.com/ldydisney/scenes-from-moonlight/

4. How many books do you plan to write in this series?

Hee! I answered it above, but there will be 8 books… I hope! My publisher has contracted the first 3 so far. Hunter’s Moon will be out in October and Blood Moon is coming in July 2014. Woot!

5. What is your favorite book at the moment?

Oh that’s like choosing my favorite child! Yikes! LOL It’s usually whichever book I’m currently working on at the moment… Right now I’m writing the final book in my Night Series and the hero and heroine have lots of chemistry so I’m really enjoying writing it! 🙂

6. What advice would you give aspiring writers?

Write short stories and lots of them. Ray Bradbury knew what he was talking about when he told me it was the best way to improve your writing. Learn to feel a story arc of beginning-middle-end and then use it with your book chapters and you’ll finish your novel… Never stop writing!

Thank you so much for answering my questions. I am so excited for this series!

I hope you enjoy the book! Moonlight was a thrill to write! Thanks for the blog spot and all your support for my books!

About the Author:

Lisa Kessler is an award winning author of dark paranormal fiction. Her debut novel, Night Walker, won a San Diego Book Award for Best Published Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror as well as the Romance Through the Ages Award for Best Paranormal and Best First Book.

Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.

When she’s not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, performing with the San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego. You can learn more at http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Jennifer’s Review of Moonlight

TITLE: Moonlight

SERIES #: The Moon Series #1

CHARACTERS: Lana Turpin and Adam Sloan

AUTHOR: Lisa Kessler

PUBLICATION DATE: 07/15/13

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Rancher Adam Sloan is more than meets the eye. As the heir to his Pack, the sexy werewolf’s biggest challenge is keeping his kin’s true nature under wraps. But a group of jaguar shifters threatens to reveal the pack, blasting into town killing humans in plain sight. And when he smells one at the local diner, his standing orders are to take her out.

Lana Turpin doesn’t realize she’s a moving target. Raised in the foster system, she only knows that she blacks out during the new moon and wakes up without remembering a thing. But now she’s being tracked by some strange organization that wants her back–even though she’s never stepped foot inside their compound. And the stranger across the diner is watching her like an enemy.

It should be simple mission for Adam, but when he touches the frustratingly beautiful Lana, his inner wolf howls…mate. Now, the two must find and stop the people who hunt her…and Adam must keep his own family from killing the only woman he will ever love.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Five Stars

REVIEW: I absolutely loved everything about this book! Lana was such a great character because she was a very tough lady who was smart enough to take care of herself when she didn’t understand why she was a target for this strange group. She had always stayed under the radar as a writer but was trying to get to the bottom of why she was having these mysterious blackouts once a month. Because of these blackouts, she finds herself on the run and directly into the path of Adam Sloan.

Adam is a werewolf who is destined to be the alpha of his pack and is on a mission to hunt down the jaguar shifters that are killing people in his town. When he meets Lana, at the local diner, his whole world turns upside down with one touch of her hand. Now, he will do whatever is necessary to protect Lana from the clutches of the Nero corporation and the members of his own pack. Adam was such a sexy werewolf with his black boots, dark hair and green eyes, that I couldn’t help but envy Lana for getting together with him. Their relationship wasn’t the easiest but I could definitely see how much they cared about each other and how they did their best to protect one another from harm. I enjoyed their scenes together because they had this great romantic chemistry and the sex scenes were definitely hot and steamy.

Moonlight is an exciting thrill ride that will have you on the edge of your seat and Lisa Kessler has created such an engaging story with characters that literally jump off the page. I am so excited for her next novel in the series, Hunter’s Moon, which is out later this year so I can meet up with these characters once again.

Giveaway

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